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When the former editor of the Guardian Alan Rusbridger was appointed to run an Oxford college it prompted accusations of ‘jobs for the boys’ among the liberal intelligentsia.

There are now suggestions this extended to the girls as well, after it emerged that one of Mr Rusbridger’s closest confidantes at the paper followed him to Lady Margaret Hall.

Jo Murray was appointed as the college’s head of communications shortly after he took up the post of principal at the Oxford university college.

The role was created at the suggestion of Mr Rusbridger, although the college insists Ms Murray was appointed only after an extensive interview process overseen by an independent panel.

Jo Murray, who followed Alan Rusbridger to Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford

Ms Murray, had previously spent ten years as the Labour Party’s head of press and broadcasting, under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, before she joined the Guardian as head of communications. She subsequently became Mr Rusbridger’s senior adviser.

News of her appointment at LMH follows criticism that Mr Rusbridger has presided over a dumbing down of college life by appointing several of the country’s most high profile celebrities as visiting fellows.

Also on the list of visiting fellows – which are normally given to scholars and academics - was musician Neil Tennant, of the Pet Shop Boys; former children’s laureate Malorie Blackman; the chief constable of Thames Valley police, Francis Habgood, and film director Beeban Kidron.

His appointments prompted one commentator to state: “Oxbridge is gradually being drowned in celebrity appointments.”

Mr Rusbridger defended the appointments as “a way of enriching the life of a college and its students, and of blowing oxygen through the corridors”.

Emma Watson, Harry Potter star and visiting fellow at LMH, on her graduation day at Brown UniversityCredit:
@EmWatson

He also criticised students who posted online a photograph of Ms Watson touring the LMH library for “refusing to respect the privacy of our guests” and “undermining the programme of visiting fellows”.

As head of communications Ms Murray’s role at LMH will be to handle this kind of controversy, and any other media storms that come the college’s way.

After leaving the Labour Party she worked as director at the communications and public affairs consultancy called Fishburn Hedges before joining the Guardian as head of communications.

Friends and former colleagues praise her ability, saying she has “great leadership skills” and the capacity to “manage huge events with great calmness and efficiency”.

She is understood to have taken a pay cut from her job at the Guardian to join LMH.

Lady Margaret Hall, once a women only college now co-ed and part of Oxford UniversityCredit:
Robert Judges/Alamy

He said at the time of his appointment: "LMH is a pioneering college, beginning with its roots as the first to admit women to study at Oxford. Its history is an inspiring one of intellectual distinction and of opening up equal educational and career possibilities.”

A source at Lady Margaret Hall said: “Everything was done by the book. The job was openly advertised and a short list drawn up from 40 applicants. The selection panel included somebody from the University. It could not have been more properly handled.”

The source added: “Jo is a fantastic person and she has been a fantastic addition.”

A spokesman for Lady Margaret Hall said: "Jo Murray was chosen after a completely fair and open selection process. Mr Rusbridger declared an interest at every stage. Everything was above board and she is a great addition to the college."